Park closes trails, sites after bear attack

SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. — Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials have closed several trails and backcountry campsites in the Hazel Creek section of the park due to a bear incident on June 6, according to Sevier News Messenger.

A 16-year old male from Ohio was pulled from his hammock by a bear and injured at backcountry campsite 84, which is 4.5 miles from the Fontana Lake shoreline near Hazel Creek in N.C. The father was able to drive the bear off from the area, Sevier News Messenger reported.

The young man received multiple injuries including lacerations to the head. He remained conscious throughout the incident and is in stable condition at this time, Sevier News Messenger explained.

About Rebecca Smith

Rebecca Smith is a Wisconsin native currently living in Illinois with her husband, Eric, and two dogs, Maggie and Grace. She enjoys hiking, biking, kayaking and, of course, camping in cabins and park models.

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